working out, chowing down, & living up the college life

My 2nd Vegan Christmas

The holiday season is honestly the best time of year by far. As I get older, I seem to appreciate it even more and more. Not for the superficial commercialism that it tends to become, but the true meaning of the season.

In the spirit of it all, I can’t help but feel so blessed for all that I have. I’m healthy, happy and surrounded by an amazing bunch of friends and family that love me. What more could I want?

This year, I received some excellent gifts, per usual, but especially cool kitchen-related ones. Santa gifted me with an easy-off cutting board, paring knives, large burrito-bowl shaped bowls, top-notch peelers and the most amazing food processing system, the Ninja.

As a treat after opening presents, we whipped up some Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Vegan Richa)—which trust me, were long awaited. I can’t even tell you the last time I’ve been able to have cinnamon rolls. Well, I guess over a year and a half ago for sure.

For dinner, my mom and I made some Pumpkin Chili (Julia’s Album), in an attempt to use up the last of the pumpkin puree we had around the house. We even doubled the recipe knowing it would probably be a great one, and we were right. It was so delicious–what a great switch up of pumpkin to the savory variety.

Again, I feel so incredibly blessed to live the life I do and the holiday season is just the perfect reminder of that.

I’ll leave you with this Christmas 2014 farewell from Hudson, the Elf!